Leaders, school district react to Connecticut shooting

UPDATED 10:23 AM EST Dec 15, 2012

President Barack Obama:

A tearful President Barack Obama says the country's leaders must "take meaningful action" regardless of politics in response to the mass shooting at a Connecticut elementary school. The president teared up, at times using an index finger to wipe at the corner of his eyes, as he addressed the nation from the White House. He also paused repeatedly as he struggled to keep his composure while speaking of the children - ages 5 to 10 - who had died and the life milestones they now would miss.

He said, quote, "Our hearts are broken."

Shortly before speaking, Obama ordered that U.S. flags be flown at half-staff on public grounds through Tuesday.

Red Lion School District, York County (there was a shooting at a district school in 2003):

"The Red Lion Area School District is saddened to hear of the senseless tragedy in Connecticut. Our hearts and thoughts go out to the students, teachers, parents, and community as they begin to heal from this event."

Gov. Tom Corbett:

The governor ordered all Pennsylvania flags across the state lowered to half-staff immediately in honor of the Connecticut school shooting victims and their families.

Corbett also issued the following statement:

"My wife, Susan, and I want to offer our condolences to the families and friends of the victims of today’s tragic shooting in Connecticut. As parents, we can imagine nothing more horrific than such a violent, senseless act committed against innocent children.

"On behalf of all Pennsylvanians, we want the families of all these victims to know they are in our thoughts and prayers and we share in their grief."

Flags shall remain at half-staff until sundown on Tuesday, Dec. 18.

All Pennsylvanians are invited to participate in this tribute.

Sen. Bob Casey:

"I am deeply saddened by the senseless tragedy in Connecticut today. My thoughts and prayers are with the families and the entire Newtown community."

Harrisburg Mayor Linda Thompson:

"This is a national tragedy and a day of mourning for all of us," Mayor Thompson said this afternoon. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to those innocent victims and their families. As we move through the holiday season, let us be mindful and express how important and precious our children are, so they feel they are all loved and protected, especially at this time."

Bishop Joseph P. McFadden Diocese of Harrisburg

"I am deeply hurt and deeply saddened by the tragic events that took place in Newtown, Connecticut. In times such as this we must also have hope in the goodness of the Lord and in the resurrection.

When we are faced with such an unspeakable tragedy we know there are no human words that can adequately explain this senseless act nor words to console the families of the victims. However as people of faith we must place our hope and trust in the goodness of the Lord who makes all things new.

For people of faith, our consolation comes from the Lord who through His own passion has conquered death itself and revealed to us the Resurrection.

Our Lord is the Lord of life and we must turn to Him at times like this to seek His consolation and His peace.

As Christians we join in prayer for the families of the victims of this devastating tragedy especially the parents of the children, asking God to give them the grace and strength to bear the heavy cross that has been given to them.

We encourage everyone to take a moment to thank God for the gift of our children and to pray that our world will grow in its respect for all human life."

Superintendent Dr. Eric Eshbach, Northern York County School District

"It is with great sadness that we learned of the tragic events that occurred in Connecticut on Friday, December 14. When a tragedy occurs in a school and when children are harmed or lose their lives, the impact hits very close to home no matter where that tragedy occurs. I want to reassure the parents and community members of Northern York County School District of the steps we have taken to ensure the safety of our students. While nothing is ever fail-safe, we believe the following precautions work to provide a safe environment for our students:

All building doors are locked during the school day. Visitors must be permitted to enter the buildings after identifying themselves and their purpose to the office personnel. While this may at times seem like an inconvenience, it is essential that we know every person who enters our schools' doors.

All staff members are required to wear identification badges to ensure that they are easily identifiable. Visitors must also sign in at the office and wear a visitor's identification badge/sticker.

We ask staff to be vigilant in monitoring guests as they walk the halls of our buildings; staff are instructed that, in the event they observe someone without a district-authorized identification, they are to question the individual’s presence and escort them back to the office.

Routine drills are conducted to prepare students for a lock-down; in much the same way we conduct drills to prepare students in the event of a fire.

Recent safety and security reviews have been done on each of our buildings and we are committed to ensuring the physical security measures are up-to-date and operable.

As you prepare to send your child back to school on Monday, please know that counselors and school psychologists will be available to speak with students at any time. Encourage your child to speak to a trusted adult in the school if they are having feelings of anxiety or worry. We will work hard to make sure all children's concerns are addressed, but we are asking for your help as well.

Please join me and other members of the Northern York County School District family as we join the rest of the nation, in offering our thoughts and prayers to the families, schools, and community of Newtown, Connecticut who were directly impacted by this senseless tragedy.

Dr. Eric C. Eshbach,

Superintendent"

Copyright 2012 byWGAL All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.